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Rediff.com  » News » Worst victims of intolerance are BJP and Modi, says Rajnath in LS

Worst victims of intolerance are BJP and Modi, says Rajnath in LS

Source: PTI
December 01, 2015 20:23 IST
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Rejecting the contention that intolerance is growing under the National Democratic Alliance's rule, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday asserted in Lok Sabha that anyone trying to disturb harmony will not be spared as he expressed readiness to order a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation into incidents like Dadri and the Kalburgi murder.

Speaking during a debate on 'intolerance', he also appealed, once again, to the writers, artists and scientists, who have returned their awards, to take them back and expressed willingness to discuss their apprehensions and suggestions.

In his speech during which several Opposition parties staged a walkout towards the end, Singh said the allegations that 'intolerance' is increasing under the Narendra Modi government is unfounded.

Projecting India as a place not fit for living will only hurt the country’s image and prevent foreign investment, he said.

"I want to assure this House, on behalf of myself and the prime minister, that if anyone tries to harm the social and religious harmony, he will not be spared," he said.

"I appeal to all members of Parliament and the people of this country to join hands in strengthening the spirit of tolerance," he said.

To questions by the Opposition as to why Narendra Modi had not spoken on the untoward incidents, Singh countered by asking whether any of the previous prime ministers had ever commented on such incidents in the past.

The home minister said internal security is his responsibility and he had always spoken on such incidents.

Responding point-by-point to issues raised by the Opposition during the debate, Singh said the Centre is still ready for a CBI probe into the lynching of a Muslim man in Dadri even though the Uttar Pradesh government has not yet recommended it.

Similarly, he said, if the Karnataka government wants a CBI probe into the murder of writer M M Kalburgi, the Centre was ready to order it.

He noted that the case was at present being investigated by the Karnataka Criminal Investigation Department.

Contending that 'manufactured allegations' are being levelled against the government on the issue of intolerance, the home minister said, “The doors of this government are open for any discussion over tolerance or intolerance with those who have misgivings about our functioning... Even if I am called, I am ready to engage in a dialogue.”

He added, "If our government is at all intolerant, we are intolerant towards corruption, terrorism, filth, poverty and atrocities against the poor, the girls and women."

Hitting out at critics, Singh said, "If any party is the victim of intolerance, it is the Bharatiya Janata Party. If any one is the worst victim of intolerance it is Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

He said among the 39 persons who had returned their awards a few had made a statement before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls that a person like Modi cannot and should not lead the country. "This is called intolerance," Singh said.

"One of them even said that Modi is a fascist," he said adding that one should respect the verdict of the people in order to be called tolerant.

Referring to the walkout of the Opposition -- including the Congress, Trinamool Congress and Left parties -- he said they do not have the 'tolerance' to listen to his response to their views even when he patiently heard each and every speaker.

"We were tolerant, we are tolerant and we will continue to remain tolerant. No one can take that away. It will continue," he said.

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